And France, more than double the size of the UK at 211,000 square miles, has 66million inhabitants at a rate of just 311 per square mile.

Birth rate statistics showed that Britain was third highest with 12 babies born per 1,000 residents. Ireland topped the chart with 14.4 per thousand and France was second with 12.4. The EU average was 10.1.

The UK’s natural change - the difference between births and deaths - was fifth highest with +3.2 per thousand. Ireland was top again with +8.1. Bulgaria was shown to be shrinking the fastest with a change rate of -5.7 per thousand.

The stark illustration of how Britain is rapidly filling up comes amid growing concern at the migrant crisis in Calais and southern Europe.

David Cameron has said that he recognises the “challenge” posed by the booming population and remained committed to bringing down net migration.